Agenda item

To agree the public minutes of the meeting held on 13 May 2016.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 13 May 2016 were considered and approved as a correct record.

MATTERS ARISING

Freemasonry (page 8-9) - The Chairman reported that he had made enquiries following the last Standards Committee meeting and reported that, whilst the Ministry had attempted to ban all masonic meetings on their premises approximately 10 years ago, this proposition was withdrawn and no such ban appeared to be in place.

In response to queries raised at the last meeting, the Town Clerk reported that Guildhall Lodge (like certain other lodges) were granted use of the Guildhall Crypts for meetings three times per year at no charge. Members questioned whether lodges were unique in receiving this type of discount. The Town Clerk undertook to report back on this matter.

With regard to Mansion House, the Town Clerk reported that Guildhall Lodge paid the appropriate rate for 'City linked' organisations. This was technically a discount from the standard rate in the same way that the Livery and charities receive a discount.